Auditions

***We thank everyone for an amazing turnout of responses!  Audition submissions are currently closed.***

Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty
Co-Conceived by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty and Eric Idle
Based on the Works of Dr. Seuss

PRODUCTION TEAM
Director - Stephen Foreman
Assistant Director - Julia Arbutus
Music Director - Dave Foley
Choreographer - Julia L. Williams
Stage Manager - Rebecca Hanauer

AUDITION DATES (Appointment Required)
Sunday, March 30th, 2025 - 6:30pm-9:30pm
Monday, March 31st, 2025 - 6:30pm-9:30pm

Location for Auditions, Callbacks & Performances
Slayton House - 10400 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia, MD, 21044

With the use of their imagination and with a little help from The Cat in the Hat, Jojo shows us the story of Horton the elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the world of Who. Can Horton protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers? Will Jojo's imagination get him in trouble? Will Horton ever notice Gertrude? Well, in the Wubulus World of Dr. Suess, what do YOU think?

Performances
June 13 - 29, 2025
Fridays/Saturdays at 8:00 pm
Sundays at 2:00 pm





CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

ALL ROLES OPEN - Non-Union/Non-Paid.  Performers must be at least 10 years old. Genders and ages are listed below per the libretto and are casting guidelines for the characters, not requirements.


THE CAT IN THE HAT (Any Gender, Age 20-40)
Our story's omniscient narrator, The Cat In The Hat is the essence of mischief, fun, and imagination. Wise and attentive, they help JoJo discover the power of their own imagination as they create the story of Seussical together. They pop up throughout the story to help the audience. Must have amazing stamina, vocals, comedic timing, and dancing capabilities. (Range: F2-F4) (Doubles as Dr. Dake, Auctioneer, Mr. McGurkus, The Grinch, Vlad Vladakoff, Jose/Renee, & Yertle the Turtle)

​JOJO* (Any Gender, Age 10-14)
Jojo is a "Thinker", a smart child with a wild imagination. The Mayor's son, he is a Who that is always finding trouble. Bright, creative, and inadvertently mischievous. Possesses a wildly expansive imagination and finds solace in his friendship with Horton. (Range top Ab3-C5) (This role will be Double Cast) 
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CITIZENS OF NOOL
The citizens of Nool look a lot like you and me, only bustling around in a community full of animalistic characters. It gives a new meaning to the Concrete Jungle. The majority of them are disconnected and self-serving.

HORTON THE ELEPHANT (Male Presenting) Age 30-50
Our story's main character, he is a compassionate and gentle giant. A blue-collar guy who is steadfast, responsible and always tries to do the right thing for his friends. Commonly misunderstood because of his larger size. He is protective and loving of all creatures in the jungle. He is imaginative and receptive to the world around him. (Range: A4-F4)
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GERTRUDE MCFUZZ (Female Presenting) Age 25-45
Horton's one-feathered-tail bird neighbor. Gertrude is sweet and timid. Though kind and loyal, she is also self-conscious of her shortfalls and aware that her one-feather tail isn't perfect. (Range F3-F5)
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MAYZIE LA BIRD (Female Presenting) Age 20-45
The most beautiful bird in Nool. An Ariana Grande wannabe who is oblivious to her self-centered ways. She relies on her talent of manipulation, and intoxicating beauty, to navigate her way through life. Self-centered, selfish and vain, Mayzie will never admit to her own flaws. She manipulates anyone she can (especially Horton) into doing what she wants. (Range: G#3-E5)
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SOUR KANGAROO (Female Presenting) Age 25-45
The 'leader' of the jungle. Think of a political figure who does what she thinks is right but only from her perspective. A caring mother, but also loud, brassy and stubbornly set in her ways. (Range: A3-Eb5)

YOUNG KANGAROO* (Any Gender) Age 10-14
Young Kangaroo is a politician’s kid. Privileged and only sees the world through their mother’s lens. They should function well with the Sour Kangaroo. (Range: A4)  (Doubles as a Cadet)
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THE WICKERSHAMS BROTHERS (Any Gender) Age: 16+
The Sour Kangaroo’s henchmen in suits; the Wickersham Brothers (Wickersham 1, Wickersham 2, Wickersham 3) are a trio of trouble-making bros. Three strong vocalists who complement one another well and bring a mischievous spirit to the story. (Range: A3-E4) (Double as Whos, Hunches, and Featured Dancing Ensemble)

BIRD “GIRLS” (Any Gender) Age: 16+
Vocal Powerhouses; the Bird “Girls” often serve as our Greek Chorus. They are the plastics in any school--a clique of pretty, self-centered "backup birds" who are vlogging their way through life. They do whatever Mayzie does.Think “Heathers” or “Mean Girls”. (Range A3-B4) (Double as Whos, Hunches, and Featured Dancing Ensemble)


THE WHOS
The citizens of Whoville look a lot like you and me, only so small they are invisible to the naked eye. They are a tight-knit, supportive community.

JOJO (See Above)
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MR. MAYOR (Male Presenting) Age: 30-50
Mr. and Mrs. Mayor are Whos who are parents trying hard to raise an imaginative child in an unimaginative world. They may get aggravated with Jojo, but they love them dearly and try to do the right thing, even if it turns out to be a mistake. (Range C5-A6)

MRS. MAYOR (Female Presenting) Age: 30-50
Mr. and Mrs. Mayor are Whos who are parents trying hard to raise an imaginative child in an unimaginative world. They may get aggravated with Jojo, but they love them dearly and try to do the right thing, even if it turns out to be a mistake. (Range: A3-Bb4)
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GENERAL GENGHIS KHAN SCHMITZ (Male Presenting) Age 40+
A bombastic general from Whoville who is bursting with pride over the military academy he runs and the
boys he turns out. An often misguided man, he believes he is making the world a better place when he doesn’t really have anything to back up his claims. (Range: )

THE CADETS* (Any Gender) Age: 10-16
Military Academy recruits serving under General Genghis Khan Schmitz. Eager to please, but also here for a reason. They are all in need of some structure, but Schmitz ain't giving it. (Range:  ) (Doubles as The Whos Ensemble. The roles of Cindy Lou and Max will be cast from this pool.)

*All Minors auditioning for the roles of JoJo, Young Kangaroo, The Cadets will be required to have a parent or guardian sign a document (provided at auditions) stating guardians’ required involvement with backstage chaperoning.